A switch is a device that connects several nodes on a computer network.  

This article describes how to add a switch in DCImanager.

Navigate to Equipment  → Switches→ Create.

Complete the following steps :

Step 1. Register a switch.

Step  2. Enter the access details.

Registering a switch

  • Name;
  • IP address - the IP address of the switch.
  • Device - type or model; 
  • Rack - in units; 
  • Service — clear the checkbox not to handle this switch in DCImanager;
  • Notes - additional information related to the switch.

Use of SNMP and NETCONF handlers:

  1. If you use SNMP Common v2 and SNMP Huawei be sure to execute the command to save IfIndex between re-initialization. E.g. for Cisco: snmp-server ifindex persist. Otherwise re-initializing a switch will disturb the correspondence between server ports and cause errors when collecting traffic statistics and enabling and disabling the ports.

  2. SSH and  NETCONF protocols are used for Juniper (NetConf), Execute the following command on the switch to use both protocols:

    cli
configure
set system services netconf ssh port 830
commit
    BASH

  3. DCImanager 5.157 and later supports NETCONF with the rfc-compliant option. For correct operation of Juniper devices of older versions, disable the option on the device: 

    cli
configure
disable system services netconf rfc-compliant
commit
    BASH

Access details 

Configure the settings to collect statistical data and equipment statuses, as well as authentication data through all the protocols that are used for switch management. Protocols may vary depending on a switch model. For more information please refer to the article  Network equipment management protocols . You cannot configure the settings unless the Receive notifications box is check and the Port to receive notifications is specified in the Global settings module. Learn more under Global settings.

  • Settings

    • Statistucs— how DCImanager will collect statistics:
      • SNMP — use SNMP-notifications;
      • Netconf — Network Configuration Protocol (NETCONF).
    • Status — how DCImanager will update the information about equipment statuses:
      • periodic polling — runs every 5 minutes; 
      • SNMP-trap — SNMP-notifications.
  • SNMP settings:
    • Version  — SNMP protocol version:
      • SNMP v1;
      • SNMP v2c;
      • SNMP v3.
    • Community — it is used as a password for SNMP authentication. The field is displayed only for SNMP v1 or v2c;
    • Security level — these settings are available only for SNMP v3:
      • Without authentication;
      • With authentication (MD5) without a private key;
      • With authentication (MD5) and private key (DES).
    • User - enter a login. Only for SNMP v3;
    • Password - enter a password. The field is displayed only for SNMP v3 and "With authentication (MD5) and private key (DES)";
    • Private key phrase — the field is displayed only for SNMP v3 and "With authentication (MD5) without private key" or "With authentication (MD5) and private key (DES)";
  • SSH settings
    • User - enter a login.
    • Password - enter a password.
  • Telnet settings
    • User - enter a login.
    • Password - enter a password.

  • Arista Command eAPI:

    • User;
    • Password.
  • NX-API:
    • User;
    • Password;
    • Port.